King Charles I School

Our Sixth Form continues to expand: a reflection of the wide range of academic and vocational courses available; of the caring and supportive but well structured atmosphere which is conducive to self-discipline and learning; and as a result of our students' successes. Newly built accommodation specifically for the Sixth Form has substantially enhanced the facilities available to students for study and for recreation.

Most students entering the Sixth Form, from Year 11 in our Main School and from other schools, study Advanced Level courses, which run for two years beyond GCSE. These Advanced Level courses have six modules: the three taken in Year 12 form an AS Level and the three taken in Year 13 (A2 Level) complete the Advanced Level course.

Our Year 12 Advanced Level students take three or four subjects, depending on their ability and all also take a General Programme course which offers AS General Studies and the Key Skills of IT, Communication and Application of Number. In Year 13 our Advanced Level students take a minimum of three subjects, and also General Studies at A2 Level.

Around 15% of our Year 12 students study an Intermediate GNVQ course which runs for one year, providing opportunities for students to study a vocational course in Leisure and Tourism or in ICT and boost their GCSE grades at the same time. These courses include a component of work experience.

For all students, life in the Sixth Form at King Charles I School offers the benefits of studying subjects in a more direct partnership with specialists in the various Departments. Teaching takes place in groups where students become well known to their teachers and any problems are picked up quickly.

All students take part in a wide-reaching Tutorial programme. This starts with a Study Skills course in Year 12 which helps students learn how to use their Private Study periods to best effect. A very high percentage of our students apply to higher education institutions in Year 13 and the background preparation for this begins in the January of Year 12. Students take part in a Wyre Forest Higher Education Day in April and, after AS examinations in May, we have an Opportunities and Applications Evening for students and their parents.

In Year 13 students embark on the Wyre Forest Post 16 Compact scheme. This scheme gives preferential treatment at a wide range of higher education institutions. To achieve the certificate requires at least a 97% attendance and punctuality record. We have very few students who fail to achieve their certificates.
The Sixth Form at King Charles 1 School is a mixture of privilege and responsibility. The privileges are obvious: their own centre within the school and delightful outdoor facilities such as the Rose Garden where students can work or chat in their own private area in the grounds.

The responsibilities arise from being at the top of the school. All students are actively encouraged to give some of their time to others in the school by means of our Leadership Skills Award Scheme. Students receive one point each time they spend half an hour helping someone within the school. Twice a year we total their points and certificates are awarded at three levels: Pass, Merit and Distinction.

In addition to the Leadership Skills Awards, students have many other opportunities on offer to them. These include individual department trips to evening lectures at local universities, trips to theatres, cinemas and concerts, work experience visits to Germany and France and residential field courses in Biology and Geography. In the summer students in Year 12 taking Advanced Level PE organize a Top Link Festival for all pupils in Year 8 from Comberton and Sladen Middle Schools.

	Social events include ice skating trips, Christmas lunches, the Leavers' Barbeque held in the Rose Garden as Year 13 start their final examinations and the very successful Sixth Form Dinner Dance, when coaches take over 120 elegantly attired students to a secret venue for a wonderful evening.
King Charles 1 School Sixth Form is a "very good" Sixth Form and our fundamental ethos is based on care and respect. We are very proud of our students and they in turn are happy to be with us and sorry to leave. We enjoy hearing from them and hearing well of them as they move on into employment and higher education.